Grand ceremony held to mark 80th anniversary of PLA

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Source: CCTV.com | 08-02-2007 09:06

Chinese President Hu Jintao (C Front) and other Chinese leaders attend the grand rally marking the 80th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, August 1, 2007. (Xinhua Photo)

A grand ceremony has been held in the capital to mark the 80th anniversary of the People's Liberation Army. And President Hu Jintao, who is also the chairman of the Central Military Commission, praised the PLA as a powerful, disciplined, and peaceful army.

Hu Jintao says in the past eighty years, the PLA has fostered fine revolutionary traditions---in essence, meaning that the army is forever at the CPC's command, the service of the people and should be courageous and skillful at war fighting.

Chinese President Hu Jintao, who is also general secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and chairman of the Central Military Commission, addresses the grand rally marking the 80th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, August 1, 2007.(Xinhua Photo)

Hu Jintao said, "Reviewing the past, we can state with full confidence that one important reason that the Party and the Chinese people have scored continued successes and that socialist China has stood firm in the face of fast-changing international environment is that we have such a heroic army as the PLA, which is loyal to the Party, to socialism, to the motherland and to the people."

Hu Jintao also says the PLA should be fully devoted to its historical mission and improve the capacity to do so in the new era.

Hu Jintao said, "All comrades of the PLA must place above everything else the protection of state sovereignty, security and territorial integrity, national development and people's interests. We must study ways of running the armed forces under the new situation, enhance defense forces in all aspects and get prepared for military operation at any time."

Hu Jintao says the army must always give top priority to enhancing political awareness and adapt itself to worldwide trends in military affairs. He says it must also promote the revolution in military affairs with Chinese characteristics. Hu Jintao says the PLA must carry forward the fine tradition of relying on the people. This is to enhance military capabilities and strengthen national defense. The President says even closer relations must be built between the army and the government and between the army and the people.

Hu Jintao also says that China will gradually increase its defense budget as its economy grows. In addition, he says China will continue to modernize its armed forces in order to strengthen national security and promote development.

Hu Jintao says the modernization of the armed forces is the historical mission of the PLA, and the common cause of Chinese people of all ethnic groups. He calls for upgrading defense-related science and technology, as well as weaponry.

He also urgs the armed police to improve -- so as to promote state security and social stability.

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao presided over the rally. The former commander of the Kunming Military Area Command, Zhang Zhixiu, the first Chinese astronaut in space, Yang Liwei, and Vice Mayor of Beijing Zhao Fengtong also made speeches.